God's New Bible

The First Epistle of Paul to the Thessalonians

Douay-Rheims :: World English Bible Catholic

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- Chapter 5 -

(Zephaniah 1:7–18; Malachi 4:1–6; 2 Peter 3:8–13)
1
But of the times and moments, brethren, you need not, that we should write to you;
2
For yourselves know perfectly, that the day of the Lord shall so come, as a thief in the night.
3
For when they shall say, peace and security; then shall sudden destruction come upon them, as the pains upon her that is with child, and they shall not escape.
4
But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5
For all you are the children of light, and children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6
Therefore, let us not sleep, as others do; but let us watch, and be sober.
7
For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that are drunk, are drunk in the night.
8
But let us, who are of the day, be sober, having on the breastplate of faith and charity, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.
9
For God hath not appointed us unto wrath, but unto the purchasing of salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10
Who died for us; that, whether we watch or sleep, we may live together with him.
11
For which cause comfort one another; and edify one another, as you also do.

Christian Living

12
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them who labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you:
13
That you esteem them more abundantly in charity, for their work’s sake. Have peace with them.
14
And we beseech you, brethren, rebuke the unquiet, comfort the feeble minded, support the weak, be patient towards all men.
15
See that none render evil for evil to any man; but ever follow that which is good towards each other, and towards all men.
16
Always rejoice.
17
Pray without ceasing.
18
In all things give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you all.
19
Extinguish not the spirit.
20
Despise not prophecies.
21
But prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22
From all appearance of evil refrain yourselves.

Final Blessings and Instructions

23
And may the God of peace himself sanctify you in all things; that your whole spirit, and soul, and body, may be preserved blameless in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24
He is faithful who hath called you, who also will do it.
25
Brethren, pray for us.
26
Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss.
27
I charge you by the Lord, that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.
28
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
(Zephaniah 1:7–18; Malachi 4:1–6; 2 Peter 3:8–13)
1
But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that anything be written to you.
2
For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night.
3
For when they are saying, “Peace and safety,” then sudden destruction will come on them, like birth pains on a pregnant woman. Then they will in no way escape.
4
But you, brothers, aren’t in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief.
5
You are all children of light and children of the day. We don’t belong to the night, nor to darkness,
6
so then let’s not sleep, as the rest do, but let’s watch and be sober.
7
For those who sleep, sleep in the night; and those who are drunk are drunk in the night.
8
But since we belong to the day, let’s be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.
9
For God didn’t appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
10
who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11
Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do.

Christian Living

12
But we beg you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,
13
and to respect and honor them in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
14
We exhort you, brothers: Admonish the disorderly; encourage the faint-hearted; support the weak; be patient toward all.
15
See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good for one another and for all.
16
Always rejoice.
17
Pray without ceasing.
18
In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.
19
Don’t quench the Spirit.
20
Don’t despise prophecies.
21
Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good.
22
Abstain from every form of evil.

Final Blessings and Instructions

23
May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24
He who calls you is faithful, who will also do it.
25
Brothers, pray for us.
26
Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
27
I solemnly command you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the holy brothers.
28
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.